A review by libbyhb
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

adventurous emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This is one of my favorite books of all time. Like, maybe #2 behind Pride and Prejudice? I love it so much. I first read this when I was 8, and I've read it every 1-2 years in the 19 years since then. This time around, I specifically noticed the efficiency in Gail Carson Levine's writing. She communicates so much in brief sentences just by choosing the most descriptive but simple words (somehow). I love the character development in this - Ella, Char, Mandy, Ella's mother are all so beautifully shaped as the story unfolds. Even Sir Peter is so interestingly fleshed out so as to not make him too one-dimensional. Reading this as an adult, there are a couple things I find annoying and unnecessary, the most important being the fatphobia with regards to Ella's stepmother and stepsisters. But overall, I still love this book so much.
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